Experts explained the movement of the Dehdal Glacier, located near the village of Safedob in the Tajikabad district, as a consequence of an abnormally warm summer and a lack of precipitation.
At a press conference on October 31, organized by the Hydrometeorology Agency under the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan, experts provided details about the recent movement of the glacier.
According to data from the Glaciology Center, on October 25 of this year, a significant mass of ice measuring up to 1500 meters in length and about 50 meters in height detached, which was noticed by local residents. The Committee for Emergency Situations stated that there were no casualties or destruction, and the situation remains under control.
The glacier shifted more than 5 kilometers in just 15 minutes.
“The main factor contributing to this phenomenon is the increase in air temperature and the prolonged absence of precipitation. These conditions lead to intense melting of the glacier and disruption of the water balance,” reported the Hydrometeorology Agency.
The agency emphasized that the movement of the glacier is a result of climate change, which accelerates the degradation processes of glaciers in the mountainous regions of the country.
“We continue to monitor the Dehdal Glacier and other moving glaciers, as well as expand research to assess natural risks. Our goal is to develop recommendations to prevent the consequences of floods and ensure the safety of the population,” the specialists added.
Tajikistan has more than 8,000 glaciers, of which 19 are considered large.
Over the past few decades, many large glaciers have significantly decreased and retreated several kilometers due to climate change. Scientists note that the process of glacier melting is virtually irreversible, and the industrial era only exacerbates it.
Although the area of glaciers accounts for only 6–8% of the country's territory (approximately 8,476 sq. km), they contain numerous cubic kilometers of fresh water.
The majority of glaciers are located in areas adjacent to the highest peaks of the country — the Somoni Peak and Abu Ali ibn Sino.
